Garter waist



May 4, 1937. T. G. POTTER 72 GARTER WAIST Filed Sept. 4, 19:54

' INVENTOR MoI z Q'aWMfa/r I ,I, ATTORNEY I ily yieldable across the chest, and thus Patented May 4, 1937 GARTER WAIST Thora Gronvold Pot ter, Seattle, Wash, as-

signor of one-half to Gunhild S. Flaten,

Seattle, Wash.

Application September 4, 1934, Serial No. 742,559 8 Claims. (Cl. 241-4) This invention relates to garter waists of a type particularly adapted to be worn by children, adolescents, and women in pregnancy. Furthermore, my device is adapted to be worn by any person requiring a stocking supporter of a type that'will afford complete freedom of movement of'all parts of the body, and freedom from strain.

onv the shoulders, waist or other parts of the body where a garter support is used.

Garter waists as heretofore constructed were not sufiiciently yielding to allow freedom from strain and absolute freedom of movement of all parts of the body. Such. garter waists tended to produce rounded shoulders and were not readtended to chafe and hamper the breathing of the wearer. Such: pressure across the chest hampered the breathing of the wearer, as expansion of the chest in breathing caused. a pressure against the body portion of the garment, when the body portion of the garment was under the stress of supporting the garters to which the stockings were attached. The pressure of the body portion of the garment against the chest was greatly increased in the garments heretofore constructed, when the wearer tended to stand erect and have acorrect posture. Therefore, the practical result of such devices was to encourage incorrect posture. Incorrect posture generally includes rounded shoulders, fiat chest, and protruding abdomen.

Among the restrictions of movements experienced by a wearer of the devices heretofore constructed was the restriction of movement of the shoulders and arms. In a particular instance it was found that a child, wearing such prior art devices, and while playing a violin, became extremely tired and it was necessary to uniasten the garters from the stockings. This particular circumstance was very instrumental inindicating the need for the present invention. It was found thata child could play a violin, while wearing the present garter waist, with easy and free movement of the arms without fatigue. This free and easy movement without fatigue is to be contrasted with the shoulder restraint and fatigue developed when the child wore the garter waists of the prior art.

It is furthermore an object of my invention to provide two supports for each stocking with the supports spaced apart, so that the stocking is uniformly supported without undesirable sagging. In the event that only one support is used on a stockingthe pull at one place only will tend to, pull the stocking up at this place and cause therema'inder of theupper portionof the stocking to sag and bind on the leg of the wearer. Furthermore, when the garter is connected to one side only of the stocking, the upper portion of the stocking opposite the support tends to sag and bind on the fleshy back part of the leg. As the stocking so sags and binds, the fleshy part of the leg above the knee at the back of the leg, tends to work out of the stocking and hang over the upper portion of the stocking, thus causing the top of the stocking to bind instead of slipping up to its normal position. This binding tends to increase the pull on the garter waist.

As far as devices available on the market are concerned, garter waists for children employ only one support to a stocking and are characterized by the above mentioned difficulties.

Devices having two supports to a stocking have been proposed having a front and rear support for each stocking. However, such devices are impractical because of the necessary discomfort to the wearer occasioned by the necessity of sitting on the rear stocking support. For this reason, such devices are of no moment on the practical market. 7

In my device I employ two supports for each stocking, one attaching to the front of the stocking, and the other support attaching to the side of the stocking and extending from the back to the side of the leg. By the use of such supports I overcome the difficulties presented by the use of a single support, and at the same time I provide a device having a double support which is not uncomfortable to a wearer while in a sitting position.

It is a further object of my invention toprovide a device having shoulder supports extending over each shoulder and having each of such shoulder supports connected by garter supports to the front portions of both stockings.

It is a further object of my device to have the two shoulder supports cross below the waist line, and provide means causing a gentle pressure against the abdomen, thereby encouraging the wearer to retract the abdomen to a normal position, and to thereby assume a correct posture, with the shoulders back, chest outward, and abdomen not protruding.

The above mentioned general objects of my in-' vention, together with others inherent in the' same, are attained by the device illustrated in the following drawing, the same being preferred exemplary forms of embodiment of my invention, throughout which drawing like reference numerals indicate like parts:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a garter waist embodying my invention, as the same may appear when spread out in a fiat position;

Fig. 2 is a rear elevation of the same;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the garter waist as it may appear when opened out into substantially the shape it would assume when on a wearer;

Fig. 4 is a view from the back showing the position of the garter waist when worn by a person, parts of the outline of the person being shown by dotted lines; and

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating portions of the abdominal part of the garter waist.

The front portion of this garter waist is composed of two substantially triangular pieces 5 and 6, such pieces are preferably made from a firm weave fabric, such as a broadcloth. The

two pieces 5 and 6 are positioned with the narrow portions 1 upward and with the end portions 8 downward and overlapped. The lower overlapped edge portions 8 are preferably securely sewed together, as indicated at 9. A facing strip Ill may extend across said lower overlapped portion on the inside of the garment and may be secured by the stitching 9 to reinforce the garment at this location. Elastic garter supports II are secured to the bottom end of the front portions 5 and 6, as by stitching them between the facing strip l0 and the lower overlapped portion. Garter clasps l2 are secured to the lower ends of the elastic supports and may be of a conventional form as illustrated.

The back portion of the garment is formed of two pieces of cloth i3 and I4 of general triangular shape, having narrow upper portions I5 connected with the front portions 5 and 6 by shoulder straps l6. These shoulder straps l6 may be of elastic material. A transverse strap preferably of substantially non-elastic material, is connected to and extends between the upper end portions of the back members l3 and I4. This transverse strap member helps to properly position the shoulder straps on the shoulders. Another transverse strap IB, preferably of elastic material, connects the two back members l3 and I4 substantially at the waist line. The outer edges IQ of the back members I3 and M are preferably straight, as shown in Fig. 2, while the inner edges 20 and 2| are inclined as respects the edges l9 and meet at a vertex substantially at the waist line, and approximately at the location of connection with the transverse strap I8. Elastic garter supports 22, having the usual clasps 23, are secured to the narrow bottom portions 24 of the back members I3 and M. A belt encircling the waist of the wearer may comprise transverse strap l8 and belt members 25 and 26. Belt members 25 and 26 may be provided and are secured to the back members l3 and M at substantially the location of the waist line, and are adapted to extend around the sides of the wearer and connect with the front portions 5 and B. The belt member 25 preferably extends across the inner side of the two front portions 5 and 6 and 1s stitched as at 21 to the said front portions adjacent the outer edges, leaving the said belt portion loose from the front portions except at the location of the stitching 21. The belt member 26 may be detachably secured to the belt member 25, as by a button 29 adapted to button within a buttonhole 30. This detachable securing means facilitates putting on and taking off the garment. Obviously, the form and location of the detaching means may be varied. The belt formed by members 25 and 26 is of sufficient length to fit loosely around the body of the wearer, thus avoiding any tendency to bind.

The weave of the cloth in the front member 5 and 6 is illustrated by cross lines and it is to be noted that the edge portions 3| are on the straight of the goods (i. e., are cut on lines parallel as respects the direction of the threads of the goods). The edges 32 of the member 5 and 6 are cut on the bias of the goods (1. e., cut on lines forming an angle as respects the direction of the threads of the goods). The end portions 8 of the members 5 and 6 are cut substantially on the straight of the goods, the variation therefrom depending upon the fullness of fit desired for the edge members 32. By cutting the members 5 and 6 in' the direction described, as respects the straight or bias of the goods, it will be noted that I have provided a support from the left shoulder of the wearer by means of member 5. This support connects on the straight (i. e., relatively nonyielding) of the goods along edge 3| to the elastic H, which elastic connects to the front portion of the left stocking of the wearer. This same support connects on the bias (1. e., relatively yielding) of the goods along edge 32 to its elastic H, which elastic connects to the front portion of the right stocking of the wearer. As indicated, the edges 3| and 32 may be hemmed in accordance with the usual practice, without interferring with the function obtained from the straight or bias of the goods. The usual lock stitching is preferred for the hemming. The support from the right shoulder by means of front member 6 connects along edge 3| and the straight of the goods with the elastic H and the stocking on the right leg of the wearer. The edge portion 32, which connects to the elastic supporting the left stocking of the wearer, is on the bias of the goods, and provides a relatively yielding connection between the support passing over the right shoulder, and the elastic connecting to the left stocking of the wearer.

The fit of the garment may be readily adjusted by the angular position of the edge 8 in respect to the edge 3| to provide the degree of fullness necessary over the chest and abdomen of the wearer. The front of the garment below the waist line forms a support and provides a slight pressure against the abdomen. While this pressure is not sufficient to support the abdomen, it nevertheless is sufficient to encourage the wearer to retract the abdomen and to assume a correct posture.

Referring to the back members I3 and I4, again the direction of the threads of the material are indicated by the cross lines. Edge portions l9 are out on the bias of the material. Edge portions 20 are out substantially on the straight of the goods. Edge portions 2| are cut on the bias of the material, however at a greater angle as respects the threads of the material than the edge portions IS. The edge portions 2| are below the waist of the wearer, and extend from the back around to the sides of the wearers legs. As the edge members 2| are cut on a bias, the same are relatively yielding members, and yield when the wearer moves, such as the movement of the wearer in assuming or while in a seated position. Furthermore, the edge portions 2| are so positioned' that the wearer does not sit upon the same and cause discomfort thereby. Edges 9, 2D and 2| may be hemmed in accordance with for the hemming.

In the operation of my device it will be thus seen that a relatively non-yielding supporting means is provided in the garment between one shoulder and the stocking on the same side of the body, while diagonal relatively yielding means connect each shoulder with the stocking on the opposite leg. In the back of the garment, a relatively non-yielding garment support is provided between the shoulders to the waist and a relatively yielding support is provided between the waist and the outer side of each stocking. Also on the back, a relatively yielding garment supporting means connects between each shoulder, and the stocking supporting means positioned on the same side of the garment.

I havethus provided a garter waist having means to support the garter from the shoulders of the wearer, having equalized pull on the front and back and diagonally of the front of the garment. The pressure of the garment across the chest is insufiicient to restrict the free movement thereof, and the wearers tendency to properly breathe is not hampered in any way by the wearing of this garment.

Furthermore, the members, comprising the front of the garment, cross and form a member bearing upon the abdomen and causing sufiicient pressure to encourage the retraction of the abdomen. This is conducive to a correctposture.

Obviously, changes may be made in the forms, dimensions and arrangement of the parts of my invention, without departing from the principle thereof, the above setting forth only preferred forms of embodiment.

I claim:

1. In a garter waist of the class described, a front member and a back member connected therewith, said back member comprising, two spaced apart substantially triangular back members embodying outer upright sides adapted when worn to extend downwardly from the shoulders to the outer sides of the legs, two upright sides adapted when worn to extend substantially vertically from the shoulders to the waist, and two sides adapted when worn to extend from the waist at the back downwardly and around to the outer sides of the legs; and stocking supporting members connected with the lower end portions of said back members.

2. In a garter waist of the class described, a front member and a back member connected therewith, said back member comprising, two spaced apart substantially triangular back members embodying outer upright sides cut on the bias of the goods and adapted when worn to extend downwardly from the shoulders to the outer sides of the legs, two upright sides cut sub- 7 stantially on the straight of the goods and adapted when worn to extend substantially vertically from the shoulders to the waist, and two sides cut on the bias of the goods and adapted when worn to extend from the waist at the back down- Wardly and around to the outer sides of the legs;

and stocking supporting members connected with the lower end portions of said back members.

3. In a garter waist of the class described, a back member and a front member, said front member comprising, two substantially triangular front members embodying overlapped transverse secured together sides adapted when worn to extend across the abdomen, two upright sides 3 adapted when worn to extend substantially vertically from the shoulders to the abdomen and two diagonal sides'adapted when worn'toextend diagonally from the respective shoulders across the chestand connected to the opposite ends of the said transverse secured together sides; stocking supporting members connected with the transverse secured together sides of the front members insubstantial alignment with the vertical sides of said frontmembers, whereby each stocking supporting member is supported by means extending directly to and over the shoulder thereabove and by means extending directly across the chest to and over the opposite shoulder and shoulderstrap means connecting the upper end portions of said said back members.

front members and 4. In a garter waist of the class described, a

back member and a front member, said front member comprising, two substantially triangular front members embodying overlapped transverse secured together sides cut substantially on the straight of the goods and adapted when worn to extend across the abdomen, two upright sides cut substantially on the straight of the goods and adapted when worn to extend substantially vertically from the shoulders to the abdomen, and two diagonal sides out on the bias of the goods and adapted when worn to extend diagonally from the respective shoulders across the chest connected to the opposite ends of said transverse secured together sides; and stocking supporting members connected with the transverse secured together sides of the front members in substantial alignment with the vertical sides of said front members, whereby each stocking supporting member is supported by a relatively non-yielding means extending directly to and over the shoulder thereabove and by a relatively yielding means extending diagonally across the chest to and over the opposite shoulder and shoulder strap means connecting the upper end portions of said front members and said back members.

5. In a garter waist of the class described, two substantially triangular front members embodying overlapped transverse secured together sides adapted when worn to extend across the abdomen, two upright sides adapted when worn to extend substantially vertically from the shoulders to the lower part of the abdomen, and two diagonal sides adapted when worn to extend diagonally from the respective shoulders across the chest and connected to the opposite ends of the said transverse secured together sides; stocking supporting members connected with the transverse secured together sides of the front members in substantial alignment with the vertical sides of said front members; back means adapted when worn to extend substantially from the shoulders to the waist; shoulder strap means connecting the upper portions of said front members and said back means; depending members on said back means adapted when worn to extend substantially from the waist at the back downwardly and around to the sides of the legs; and stocking supporting members connected with said depending members.

6. In a garter waist of the class described, two substantially triangular front members embodying overlapped transverse secured together sides cut substantially on the straight of the goods and adapted when worn to extend across the abdomen, two upright sides cut substantially on the straight of the goods and adapted when worn to extend substantially vertically from the shoul- 4- ders to the lower part of the abdomen, and two diagonal sides cut on the bias of the goods and adapted when worn to extend diagonally from the respective shoulders across the chest and connected to the opposite ends of the said transverse secured together sides; stocking supporting members connected with the transverse secured together sides of the front members in substantial alignment with the vertical sides of said front members; two spaced apart substantially triangular back members embodying outer upright sides adapted when worn to extend downwardly from the shoulders to the outer sides ofthe legs, two upright sides adapted when worn to extend substantially vertically from the shoulders to the waist, and two sides adapted when worn to extend from the waist at the back downwardly and around to the outer sides of the legs; stocking supporting members connected with the lower end portions of said back members; and shoulder strap means connecting the upper end portions of said front members and said back members.

7. In a garter waist of the class described, two substantially triangular front members embodying overlapped transverse secured together sides adapted when worn to extend across the abdomen, two upright sides adapted when worn to extend substantially vertically from the shoulders to the lower part of the abdomen, and two diagonal sides adapted when Worn to extend diagonally from the respective shoulders across the chest and connected to the opposite ends of the said transverse secured together sides; stocking supporting members connected with the transverse secured together sides of the front members in substantial alignment with the vertical sides of said front members; two spaced apart substantially triangular back members embodying outer upright sides adapted when worn to extend downwardly from the shoulders to the outer sides of the legs, two upright sides adapted when worn to extend substantially vertically from the shoulders to the waist, and two sides adapted when worn to extend from the waist at the back downwardly and around to the outer sides of the legs; stocking supporting members connected with the lower end portions of said back members; and shoulder strap means connecting the upper end portions of said front members and said back members.

8. In a garter waist of the class described, two substantially triangular front members embodying overlapped transverse secured together sides cut substantially on the straight of the goods and adapted when worn to extend across the abdomen, two upright sides cut substantially on the straight of the goods and adapted when worn to extend substantially vertically from the shoulders to the lower part of the abdomen, and two diagonal sides cut on the bias of the goods and adapted when worn to extend diagonally from the respective shoulders across the chest and connected to the opposite ends of the said transverse secured together sides; elastic stocking supporting members connected with the transverse secured together sides of the front members in substantial alignment with the vertical sides of said front members; two spaced apart substantially triangular back members. embodying outer upright sides cut on the bias of the goods and adapted when worn to extend downwardly diagonally from the shoulders to the outer sides of the legs, two upright sides cut substantially on the straight of the goods and adapted when worn to extend substantially vertically from the shoulders to the waist, and two sides cut on the bias of the goods and adapted when worn to extend from the waist at the back downwardly and around to the outer sides of the legs; elastic stocking supporting members connected with the lower end portions of said back members; elastic shoulder straps connecting the respective upper end portions of said front members and said back members; and belt means connected with said front members and said back members and adapted when worn to encircle the waist of the wearer.

THORA GRONVOLD POTTER. 

